Title

Author

Date of Award

2015

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Psychology

Specialization

Behavioral Science

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Ellen Flannery-Schroeder

Abstract

Childhood trauma is an event than can cause emotional, psychological, and psychosocial disruption. Research has found several strong associated outcomes including anxiety and disrupted autonomy development, particularly among college age students. The present study examined the relationship between childhood trauma and autonomy development and the role of anxiety in that relationship. Several other models were tested examining the possible gender effects and trauma subtypes. While childhood trauma was associated with both anxiety and diminished autonomy, there was no evidence supporting that anxiety was a mediator in this relationship. Discussed below are possible explanations as to why this relationship was not found as well as directions for future research.